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James Marsden stalked Helen Mirren through an airport

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James Marsden once stalked Helen Mirren through an airport before taking a “creepy” photo of her.

During an appearance of The Ellen DeGeneres Show the Westworld star admitted he has a “massive crush” on the 71-year-old British actress, who was also making an appearance on the programme. Professing his love for Helen despite the pair having never met, James recalled a previous close encounter when he realized they were both on the same flight to Rome.

“I’m glad I’m waiting to be on national television to admit this,” he quipped to host Ellen on Monday's episode. “I was on a flight with her once to Rome and when I got off the flight I followed her to baggage claim, and in a very voyeuristic creepy way I took a photo of her while she was walking.”

The snap then appeared on the big screen behind them, leaving James grinning awkwardly as the audience burst into laughter. Revealing he had avoided bumping into Helen backstage so she didn’t know he had “stalked” her, James couldn’t escape when The Queen actress ran out onto the set, mimicking taking a photo of the actor from behind.

“I’m so sorry – I should be thrown in jail for that!” James, 43, exclaimed.

“Don’t be crazy. My husband’s in that shot too. It’s so funny,” Helen giggled as a “very red” James stood next to her.

“I would NEVER be 20 minutes late for you,” he quipped, seemingly referring to their flight being delayed.

After Helen said goodbye and described him as handsome, the actor dropped to the floor speechless, before his crush ran back out and they joined hands to jog off the stage.

“Just had to give her my digits real quick,” James said with a grin. “I know - you get one shot in life. That was my shot. Thank you. What a nice Christmas gift that was.”